Lawrence Coetzee (49) wanted for raping 14-year-old teen girl in Welkom

The Welkom police have issued a warrant of arrest for the 49-year-old Lawrence Louis Coetzee, following his implication in the rape of a minor in Welkom.

According to the Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, the heinous rape ordeals took place from 2021 to 2023.

“The crime was committed while the mother was not at home and the suspect was with the victim,” added Thakeng.

It has been established that after these incidents, the 49-year-old would threaten the victim not to tell her mother or anyone else, and the 14-year-old complied as she was afraid of the suspect.

In April however, the 14-year-old victim sent a WhatsApp message to her mother, informing her of the rape ordeal. The victim’s mother then visited the Welkom police station on the matter. As a result, the police registered a case of rape for further investigation.

Thakeng informed that the suspect has evaded arrest since the registration of the case.

Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect to have three children in Lesotho. The police have issued a warrant of arrest for Coetzee residing in Semeeupark, Welkom.

“Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the rape suspect in question is requested to contact detective sergeant Mabote Lebone of Welkom FCS on 0828852428. Alternatively, one may use the Crime Stop number, 0860010111,” concluded Thakeng.